STRIKE AT COAL MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2267, 12 August 1908, Page 2

STRIKE AT COAL MINE.

TRUCKERS REFUSE TO WORK. GRIEVANCE AGAINST MANAGER [Pbess Association.] DUNEDIN, August 11. A sensation was caused at Kaitangata yesterday afternoon when it becimo known that the truckers at the Knitangata mine had refused in a body to truck. It appears that one of tlioir number, Allan Whittaker, was “sacked” for leaving his placo on Saturday without permission, and as the boys did not. consider the management explanations satisfactory, they refused to work until he was reinstated.

The trouble happened just as the afternoon shift had reached the pit bottom and were about to start work, and as a consequence of the deadlock, the mine was then thrown idle for a shift.

The management considered Whittaker unsuitable and unable to do the work and gave that as a reason for his dismissal. Tho truckers, on the other hand, contend that ho can do the work equally as well as the average. Some confusion was caused down tho mine as the horse-drivers left tlioir horses where they stood and came out with tho rest. The mine manager was present at a big meeting of truckers last niglit, at which tlio situation was discussed. The manager said he would not unreservedly reinstate Whittaker, but was willing to take his case into consecration if he applied for work. After tho departure of the manager, tlie truckers decided that unless Whittaker was reinstated they would not go back. Tlie miners went on the morning shift as usual to-day, and about eight truckers accompanied them. There is a general belief that the strike will fizzle out.